Diarrhea: What You Need To Know When You Gotta Go

In this article

When you have diarrhea, your bowel movements (stools) are loose and watery. It’s very common and usually not serious.

Many people get diarrhea once or twice each year. It typically lasts two to three days, and you can treat it with over-the-counter medicines. Some people have diarrhea more often as part of irritable bowel syndrome or other conditions.

Recommended Related to Digestive Disorders

“My tummy hurts” -- that’s something every parent hears. But if it seems like your child complains about stomach problems all the time, he may have a serious digestive disorder.
These conditions have different causes, but share many of the same symptoms:
Nausea
Bloating
Stomachache
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Dehydration (from the diarrhea and vomiting)
If your child has these symptoms often, the first step is to see a doctor. Getting a diagnosis...